Politicians huddle to refine message

GOP looks to filling promises on budget, values

6:21 AM,
Mar. 4, 2006

Sid Simonson, from left, Ed Haynes and Bob Beauprez share a laugh Friday at the Larimer County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. Republicans discussed big government, a balanced budget and the Iraq war during their annual dinner.

Written by

LINDSAY RENICK MAYER
LindsayRenickMayer@coloradoan.com

The clank of silverware echoed above the polite dinner conversation about topics such as fiscal discipline, permanent tax cuts and the war in Iraq when more than 250 Republicans gathered in Fort Collins on Friday night for the Larimer County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner.

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana, the keynote speaker, provided the audience with a message of hope that the party will keep its promises to bring democracy to Iraq, end big government, reduce spending and return to Republican core values.

"If there was not cause for hope, you would not be here today," Pence said. "Each of you ...